Failure of Drug Test Puts Soviets Out of Cup Meet

The Soviet Union lost its place in next month’s World Cup track and field meet after the disqualification of shot-putter Alexander Bagach, who failed a drug test, the IAAF said today.

Bagach tested positive for testosterone, a performance-enhancing male hormone, at the recent European Cup meet in England, the International Amateur Athletic Federation said.

East Germany will replace the Soviet Union in the World Cup at Barcelona, Spain, the IAAF said in a statement issued at the World University Games.

Bagach finished third in the shot put competition at the European Cup final in Gateshead, England, this month.

His points were taken away, and the East German men’s team overtook the Soviet Union in the adjusted standings. Britain won the Gateshead competition and also advanced to the World Cup.

Bagach’s urine sample was tested twice and both times produced a positive result. Another examination was conducted by IAAF experts and confirmed the results of the first two tests, the international governing body said.

Bagach was picked at random, the IAAF said.

John Holt, IAAF secretary general, said the Soviet federation was “shocked” by Bagach’s case.

“The Soviet federation acted very correctly and supported the IAAF in the whole case,” Holt said. “They told us they have a very big anti-drug program and they were shocked.”

Bagach faces an automatic two-year ban.